Social Media Platforms
This professional networking platform is the most recommended for career development, trend-following, and job searching.
What is LINKEDIN?
LinkedIn (2022) reported that professionals who share content are this many times more likely to be viewed by recruiters.
What is 3–5 TIMES more likely?
Your digital footprint includes not just what you post, but also this — content that others post, tag, or share about you online.
What is CONTENT OTHERS CREATE ABOUT YOU (tagged photos, mentions, etc.)?
CareerBuilder (2018) found that this percentage of employers screen candidates' social media profiles BEFORE the interview.
What is 70%?
According to NACE (2023), this type of knowledge — staying informed about developments in your field — is identified as a core career readiness competency.
What is INDUSTRY AWARENESS (or knowledge of industry trends)?
On this platform, using hashtags like #MarketingTrends or #EdTech helps you follow live industry-specific commentary and discussions.
What is X (formerly TWITTER)?
Instead of just reposting an article, you should add this — a brief personal reaction or insight — to demonstrate professional engagement.
What is PERSONAL COMMENTARY (or a reaction/reflection)?
This is the recommended first step in auditing your digital footprint — a simple and free action anyone can take right now.
What is GOOGLING YOUR OWN NAME?
According to The Muse (2023), online first impressions are formed within this many seconds of viewing a profile or website.
What is 10 SECONDS?
Following this type of organization on LinkedIn — examples include SHRM, AMA, and HIMSS — gives you access to industry-specific news, innovations, and hiring trend updates.
What are PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS?
This type of content platform — including Harvard Business Review and TED Talks Careers on YouTube — provides in-depth professional conversations from leading voices in your field.
What are YOUTUBE CHANNELS (or PODCASTS)?
Sharing a post about completing a certification, being selected for an honors program, or finishing a major project is an example of this type of thought leadership content.
What is CELEBRATING MILESTONES?
This free online tool can help you monitor and manage your digital presence and reputation by tracking what appears online about you.
What is BRANDYOURSELF.COM?
When employers screen social media, THIS type of content most commonly leads to rejection — examples include offensive language, inappropriate photos, and sarcastic public posts.
What is UNPROFESSIONAL CONTENT (or negative online behavior)?
This is why industry trend awareness makes candidates stand out during job interviews — a specific, practical benefit named by career experts.
What is the ability to SPEAK INTELLIGENTLY about current issues (or tailor your resume/answers to emerging demands)?
This platform, popular with graphic designers and visual artists, is part of Adobe's Creative Cloud suite and is specifically designed as a portfolio hosting service.
What is ADOBE PORTFOLIO?
This type of original content — a short self-recorded video posted on LinkedIn — demonstrates initiative and personal brand that no resume can replicate.
What is a LINKEDIN VIDEO (or original video content)?
When reviewing personal social media accounts during a job search, this setting — not deletion — is the recommended first action for platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
What is REVIEWING PRIVACY SETTINGS?
Conversely, THIS is what a polished, intentional digital footprint demonstrates to employers — two qualities specifically named by NACE and CareerBuilder.
What are PROFESSIONALISM and ALIGNMENT WITH EMPLOYER VALUES (or maturity and self-awareness)?
Job openings and career opportunities discovered through professional social networks often appear before this — giving proactive followers a competitive advantage.
What are JOB BOARDS (or traditional job listing sites)?
This subscription-based newsletter platform is increasingly used by professionals and industry leaders to share curated career advice and field-specific updates with followers.
What is SUBSTACK?
This is the key reason students should NOT wait until they feel like an "expert" before sharing professional content online — even one post per month creates this measurable outcome.
What is INCREASED RECRUITER VISIBILITY (or being 3–5x more likely to be viewed)?
A CareerBuilder (2018) survey found that this percentage of employers have decided NOT to hire a candidate specifically based on what they found on social media.
What is 43%?
While employers may find concerning content through social media screening, they can ALSO discover this positive type of content — which can actively help a candidate's case.
What are ACCOMPLISHMENTS, COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT, and PROFESSIONAL ENGAGEMENT (any two accepted)?
This is what NACE (2023) calls the broader quality demonstrated when a student actively follows industry trends, engages with professional content, and stays informed about their field.
What is CAREER READINESS (or being a proactive and informed professional)?